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By Johnny Edward.
Midfielder Ejike Uzoenyi believes the 2013 AFCON triumph was a turning point for him and other members of the squad.
Former Enyimba star man Uzoenyi was one of the home-based players in Stephen Keshi’s squad at the tournament, and even though he only made a cameo appearance at the continental showpiece, he believes the triumph opened a new chapter in his career.
After winning two NPFL titles on the domestic scene with Enyimba, the talented midfielder joined Enugu Rangers in 2008 and was with the Flying Antelopes when he was selected by Keshi for the trip to South Africa.
Uzoenyi only managed 18 minutes in the competition, coming on for striker Brown Ideye in the 72nd minute of the 4-1 semi-final triumph over Mali.
“It’s an unforgettable experience for me because it opened so many doors for me and my teammates at that time,” he said.
“Nobody gave us a chance after our poor start but we found our confidence and went all the way.”
Truly, doors opened for Uzoenyi, who first went on loan to French side Rennes immediately after the AFCON, before further moves to South African sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits and was the star of the Nigerian team which came third at the CHAN tournament a year later.